The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

Bar Exam Toolbox

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

  1. 3D AGO

    Top 10 Time-Wasters When Studying for the Bar Exam

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're going through the most common ways students waste time while studying for the bar, including relying on passive learning, overfocusing on one section, using too many resources, and neglecting feedback. We emphasize the importance of active study methods, balanced preparation, and honest self-reflection to maximize your chances of passing the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Passive vs. active learning Overfocusing on one portion of the exam Ways to get helpful feedback Effective MBE studying and essay writing Avoiding distractions during bar prep And more! Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Podcast Episode 43: Talking About AdaptiBar with Guest Maggy Mahalick (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-talking-about-adaptibar-with-guest-maggy-mahalick/) Podcast Episode 78: Learning Through Mistakes in Bar Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-learning-through-mistakes-in-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 244: Spaced Repetition and Memorization During Bar Prep (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-spaced-repetition-and-memorization-during-bar-prep-w-gabe-teninbaum/) How to Properly Study MBE Questions and Essays (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-properly-study-mbe-questions-and-essays/) How to Pass the Bar by Doing What Makes You the Most Uncomfortable (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) Tricks for Staying on Track and Avoiding Distractions When Studying for the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tricks-for-staying-on-track-and-avoiding-distractions-when-studying-for-the-bar/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-339-top-10-time-wasters-when-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    33 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    Studying for the Bar During the Holiday Season

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! We've made it to another holiday season, which means joy, good food, family, and friends. However, for those studying for the bar exam, it can also bring a lot of stress as you try to manage bar prep and family commitments. Today, we're sharing some ways to think about bar study during the holiday season. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a study schedule Setting boundaries with family and friends, and handling tough questions Allowing yourself to take real time off How to ask for help if you need to Avoiding social media and comparisons to others Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Don't Be a Grinch! Enjoy the Holidays While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/dont-be-a-grinch-enjoy-the-holidays-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Bar Humbug! How to Handle the Holidays and Study for the Biggest Exam of Your Life (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-humbug-handle-holidays-study-biggest-exam-life/) How to Study for the Bar Exam, with a Side of Holiday Cheer (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-study-for-the-bar-exam-with-a-side-of-holiday-cheer/) Enjoy the Holidays (Even While Studying for the Bar Exam) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/enjoy-the-holidays-even-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-338-studying-for-the-bar-during-the-holiday-season/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    23 min
  3. 12/08/2025

    Listen and Learn -- Will Revocation

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the ways in which a validly executed will can be revoked (by a subsequent document, by a physical act, and by operation of law), and analyze examples illustrating these concepts.   In this episode, we discuss: The requirements for a valid will Revocation by a subsequent document Revocation by a physical act Revocation by operation of law Doctrine of dependent relative revocation A few hypotheticals and examples Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/CBXJuly2012_Selected_Answers_Essays_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 336: Listen and Learn – Will Formation and Execution (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-337-listen-and-learn-will-revocation/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    18 min
  4. 12/01/2025

    Listen and Learn -- Will Formation and Execution

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the five requirements for a valid will, and analyze two hypotheticals to illustrate how courts determine validity.  In this episode, we discuss: The basics of will formation The five elements of a valid will What is a holographic will? The "harmless error" rule Two hypotheticals from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    18 min
  5. 11/24/2025

    How Is the NextGen Changing the Legacy UBE?

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how the rollout of the NextGen UBE in July 2026 will also bring significant changes to the Legacy UBE, including the removal of certain subjects from the MEE and a shift in focus for the MPT.   In this episode, we discuss: Timeline for the NextGen UBE and Legacy UBE  Major changes in the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) Preparing for the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) Potential changes in the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) Deciding when to take the bar exam Resources: NCBE: Preparing for the MEE (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mee/preparing-mee) The Brainy Bar Bank: Streamlining Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/) "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-335-how-is-the-nextgen-changing-the-legacy-ube/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    31 min
  6. 11/17/2025

    Listen and Learn -- Strict Liability: Animals and Dangerous Activities (Part 2)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is Part 2 of a two-part series on strict liability as it relates to animals (both wild and domestic), as well as certain super dangerous activities.  In this episode, we discuss: Strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities Strict liability for keeping wild and domestic animals Two hypothetical scenarios illustrating the above concepts Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2009 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202009%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Foster v. Preston Mill Co. (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-prosser/strict-liability/foster-v-preston-mill-co/) Podcast Episode 131: Listen and Learn – Strict Products Liability (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-131-listen-and-learn-strict-products-liability/) Podcast Episode 316: Spotlight on Torts (Part 1 – Negligence) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-316-spotlight-on-torts-part-1-negligence/) Podcast Episode 319: Spotlight on Torts (Part 3 – Strict and Vicarious Liability) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-319-spotlight-on-torts-part-3-strict-and-vicarious-liability/) Podcast Episode 333: Listen and Learn – Strict Liability: Animals and Dangerous Activities (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-333-listen-and-learn-strict-liability-animals-and-dangerous-activities-part-1/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-334-listen-and-learn-strict-liability-animals-and-dangerous-activities-part-2/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    13 min
  7. 11/10/2025

    Listen and Learn -- Strict Liability: Animals and Dangerous Activities (Part 1)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is Part 1 of a two-part series on strict liability as it relates to animals (both wild and domestic), as well as certain super dangerous activities. Join us next week for the second episode on this topic.   In this episode, we discuss: Overview of strict liability in torts What activities are considered abnormally dangerous? Strict liability as it relates to keeping wild and domestic animals A fact pattern from the February 2008 California bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Foster v. Preston Mill Co. (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-prosser/strict-liability/foster-v-preston-mill-co/) Podcast Episode 319: Spotlight on Torts (Part 3 – Strict and Vicarious Liability) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-319-spotlight-on-torts-part-3-strict-and-vicarious-liability/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-333-listen-and-learn-strict-liability-animals-and-dangerous-activities-part-1/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    16 min
  8. 11/03/2025

    Mastering Bar Exam Multiple-Choice Questions (w/Chris Fromm from Themis)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're speaking with Chris Fromm - National Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Themis Bar Review - about strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions on the bar exam, including the upcoming NextGen format. We discuss how to manage your time effectively, leverage practice tools, and seek support during the challenging bar prep period. Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. With this special promotion, you can save $1,000 on any 2026 Themis Bar Review course using the code BAREXAMTB1000 at checkout. (This offer is valid until December 1st, 2025.) In this episode, we discuss: Why are multiple-choice questions stress-inducing for many people? Tips for approaching multiple-choice questions on the bar exam Effective time management and scheduling Turning to your support network for help Accommodations and focus strategies Six-option questions on the NextGen exam Resources: Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) Podcast Episode 18: Strategies for Mastering the MBE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-18-strategies-for-mastering-the-mbe/) Podcast Episode 244: Spaced Repetition and Memorization During Bar Prep (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-spaced-repetition-and-memorization-during-bar-prep-w-gabe-teninbaum/) Podcast Episode 261: Quick Tips – Bar Exam Accommodations Basics (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-261-quick-tips-bar-exam-accommodations-basics/) Practice a Full Bar Exam Session – Go for the Gold (https://barexamtoolbox.com/practice-a-full-bar-exam-session-go-for-the-gold/) How to Plan Your Bar Exam Study Day for Maximum Success (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-plan-your-bar-exam-study-day-for-maximum-success/) Manage Expectations Before Bar Prep Begins: Keeping Friends & Family on Your Side (https://barexamtoolbox.com/manage-expectations-before-bar-prep-begins-keeping-friends-family-on-your-side/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-332-mastering-bar-exam-multiple-choice-questions-w-chris-fromm-from-themis/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    51 min
4.8
out of 5
435 Ratings

About

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

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